Are you asking yourself the following questions? If so, a Geriatric Care Manager at www.mainlineeldercare.com might be your answer or if you live further away check out this other database for other reputable national care managers in your area www.caremanager.org:

1. Are my parents safe in their home?
2. Are bills being paid on time?
3. Should my parents be driving?
4. Are my parents’ health concerns taking me away from my family and job?
5. Are the problems that my parents are facing becoming larger and more complex than I can comfortably manage?
6. What kind of help would increase safety while maintaining my parents’ dignity and independence?
7. What kinds of assistance can my parents afford?
8. What local resources might my parents’ benefit from?
9. Does my employer offer problem solving training for employee/caregivers?

Most of these questions were adapted from the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Inc. Also call (610) 688-2667 to speak with a Geriatric Care Manager. 

Feel free to search the databases mentioned above for more information about Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc., www.mainlineeldercare.com.

Our Associates await hearing from you at www.mainlineeldercare.com. 610-688-2667

Author: Helen C. Hopkinson is CEO of Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc., whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for the disabled and elderly. She is a recognized leader in social changes and a former Executive Administrator for Angel Flight. She describes caregiving as a kaleidoscope with many changing parts and promotes support groups to encourage those with Parkinson’s disease, MS, cancer, DM, dementia, aging problems and other illnesses. She is currently in the process of lobbying for changes in funding for caregivers and looks forward to your comments via this blog.

“MLECA specializes in home healthcare management - we understand your problems”

MLECA is the recipient of the CitiCorp’s Boost Award for 2007.

Member, National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Inc. 

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Transitions for seniors usually occur when there is a loss of a family member or friend, a change in living arrangements, loss of driving privileges, the death of a pet and/or from changes in their finances due to retirement.

Therefore, if things begin to noticeably change, that’s the time to start looking for patterns of neglect or mental deterioration.

MLECA suggests that you first look for the following obvious difficulties - walking, dressing, talking, eating, cooking, climbing steps or managing medications. Also, sloppy appearances, soiled clothes and body odor may also be signs of infrequent bathing.

Secondly, now, explore the home to see if the mail is unopened, papers are piled up, checkbook is unreadable, bills are unpaid, pots and pans are burned, refrigerator has a foul odor, piles of dirty laundry or the car has new dents.

Third, check for any weight loss, changes in appetite, problems swallowing, fatigue, burns, bruises, hearing loss, incontinence, insomnia and dehydration.

Fourth, are the curtains drawn day and night, lack of interest in socializing with friends and appears disconnected from the rest of the world. Any displays of verbal or physical abuse, abuse of alcohol or drugs, refusal to talk or argumentative.  

Main Line Elder Care Associates are available to assess this situation and our professionals will find the best possible solution to properly care for your loved one. 

We suggest you report to our Associates any signs of forgetfulness, frequent episodes of getting lost, poor reasoning skills, problems with answering questions, inability to find the correct word, keeps repeating the same sentences or phrases, changes in personality and any fear of wandering. These may be signs of serious problems so please contact us at www.mainlineeldercare.com    

Helen C. Hopkinson, J.D., President and CEO, Co-Founder, Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc.

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Main Line Elder Care Associates is committed to providing comforting assurance and peace of mind to our clients and their families. Our RN Care Managers offer individualized care plans and personalized attention to your immediate needs.

MLECA will provide personal visits and monitoring services to help with the healthcare needs of our clients.

We provide Registered Nurses, Licenses Practical Nurses, Home Health Aides and Companions right in the comfort of your home or at a facility of your choice.

Please visit us at ww.mainlineeldercare.com to learn more about our services or please call a care manager at 610-688-2667 for additional information.

A schedule of our extended home care charges is also available. 

610-688-2667

Wayne, Pennsylvania

www.info@mainlineeldercare.com

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO BRING IN OUTSIDE HELP . . .

Main Line Elder Care Associates suggests you follow these easy steps to establish whether outside assistance is needed:

Evaluate the Health status, Marital status and children, living arrangements and Household status, economic dependence. income and poverty.

Recognize that there are two systems for care giving .

Informal - family, friends and neighbors

Today these caregivers provide for at least 80% of the care needs for those needing help while only 5% of the elderly actually reside in nursing homes.

Formal - means just about everything.

In general, the formal system supports the informal system. Or, in other words, these are services that may be provided on an intermittent basis. 

Our care managers suggest that you utilize an aide or companion along with a Geriatric Care Management Team to establish a solid relationship that will be there during all phases of transitions for the disabled and elderly.

Usually, this system allows the elderly to age in the comfort of their own homes and a much better win-win situation approach to health care management on the whole.

Common Pattern: the informal network is employed first and usually this is a spouse who provides the care, the children (typically the eldest daughter) may become involved as more of their needs increase but mostly this involvement generally increases upon the death of one spouse. Sometimes, this increase may be a slow process, possibly takes several years but a sudden health crises will definitely increase that involvement.

Good News - Life expectancy has dramatically increased.

People are living longer and “better”  - the majority of people 65 - 75 are healthier and financially more secure to enjoy life. They own homes and are capable of meeting needs, according to Elizabeth K. Keech, PhD, RN, College of Nursing, Villanova University 

Main Line Elder Care Associates recognizes that with increasing age also comes the accumulation of more illnesses, medications and increasing frailty as well as life changes.

Our care managers suggest that you ask a parent over the age of 80,

“Whom should you tell about your wishes?”

Fore more information contact www.info@mainlineeldercare.com

or call 610-688-2667

to arrange for an assessment.